Trump Signals Strong Strike on Iran Next Week

U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will strike Iran "very strongly" again next week.

According to Reuters, Trump made the remarks in a Fox News Radio interview on Tuesday (local time).

On providing escort support for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, "We will do that if necessary," but added, "I hope things work out very well, and we'll have to see how it goes." His comments suggest the U.S. will not immediately begin escorting commercial ships through the strait despite surging global oil prices.

Asked about when the war would end, Trump said it would be "not too far away" but clarified it would be "when I feel it, when I feel it in my bones."

When asked whether he would temporarily suspend the Jones Act—which requires cargo shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on American vessels—Trump replied, "We'll look at it, and everything will work out fine." The White House earlier stated in a statement by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt that it is considering a temporary suspension of the Jones Act. Reports indicate the administration is exploring a 30-day waiver focused on energy products to curb rising oil prices.

Trump said there is "no operation underway" to secure Iran's enriched uranium stockpile. "We're not focused on that, but at some point, we might be," he added. Leavitt had suggested during a White House briefing on May 10 that the administration would prioritize destroying Iran's ballistic missile capabilities over eliminating its enriched uranium, raising speculation about a narrower scope for military operations against Iran.

Asked whether he was considering seizing Kharg Island—a critical hub for Iranian oil exports—Trump dismissed the question as "foolish." He said, "It's just one of many things and not at the top of the list, but my mind could change in a matter of seconds."

Trump also said Russian President Vladimir Putin "may be helping Iran a little bit," adding that "Russia seems to be supporting Iran because the United States is supporting Ukraine." The interview was reportedly recorded the previous evening.